Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical care of the eye. The field is divided into general ophthalmologists and surgical ophthalmologists. Surgical ophthalmology includes a number of sub-specialties such as retina-uveitis, cornea/anterior segment, and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. All of these specialists use lasers for refractive or other surgical procedures. Like all doctors, ophthalmologists are highly trained medical professionals with an undergraduate degree, medical school and a four-year residency under their belts. Surgical specialists undertake an additional one to two year fellowship to learn the latest techniques and the use of the newest equipment.

Complete a bachelor's degree program in a field of your choice. Take advanced math and science classes to increase your preparation for medical school. It also is important to make good grades, as admission to medical school is highly competitive.

Enroll in medical school. Medical school is a challenging four-year academic program, including two years of class work in physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, and two years of practical experience working with doctors hands-on at hospitals and clinics.

Apply for surgical ophthalmology residency programs in your last year of med school. Ophthalmology residency programs typically last four years, often including a one-year residency, and the resident gradually is given more responsibility as she gains experience. You will be working with surgeons who perform various laser eye procedures during your residency. You qualify for an unrestricted license to practice medicine after you complete your residency.

Apply for a surgical ophthalmology fellowship in your area of interest after you complete your residency. Ophthalmic surgical fellowships in glaucoma, retina/uveitis, and cornea/anterior segment, which all involve laser procedures, usually take one to two years.

Join a surgical ophthalmology practice in your area. Work for a few years to gain experience in ophthalmology and laser surgery, and then you can decide whether to work toward a partnership in your practice or explore other opportunities.

Tip

Consider becoming board certified in ophthalmology. Certification requires passing a rigorous written and oral exam. A certification by The American Board of Ophthalmology is the highest professional credential for ophthalmologists.

About the Author

Clayton Browne has been writing professionally since 1994. He has written and edited everything from science fiction to semiconductor patents to dissertations in linguistics, having worked for Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Steck-Vaughn and The Psychological Corp. Browne has a Master of Science in linguistic anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.